Reflections, Observations, and Analyses Pertaining to the Canadian Political Scene

Monday, December 5, 2016

Damage Control From A Disingenuous Dick

Apologies for my rather coarse title, but it seemed the only appropriate way to describe that Dorian-Gray-in-reverse-politician, Chris Alexander, who provided a conductorial complement to a rabid crowd in Edmonton offended by the very concept of taxation in general, and carbon taxes in particular.

At a rally in Edmonton hosted by perennial crank Ezra Levant and his self-described Rebel Media Group, as the erstwhile Immigration Minister played to the prejudices of the crowd, this happened:

You will note the zeal with which Alexander embraced the "Lock her up!" chants, seeming to enter a blissful zone accessible only to the extreme right-wing. However, perhaps realizing such a state of nirvana might not play well in all sectors of the Conservative Party he hopes to lead, and desperate to control the damage to 'his brand' that might have occurred, he issued this disclaimer, saying

he felt "uncomfortable" during a rally at the Alberta Legislature this weekend as the crowd chanted "lock her up" in response to his comments about Premier Rachel Notley's leadership.

In a video posted on Twitter by Rebel Media reporter Sheila Gunn Reid, Alexander is nodding and smiling in front of the crowd of about 1,000 as they chant "lock her up" in response to his comments about Notley's leadership.

At no point in the video does Alexander attempt to calm the crowd or denounce their chanting.

"I could clearly hear what they were saying and I was uncomfortable," Alexander told CBC News on Sunday.

"It was not something I initiated, it was not something I said at any point and it's not something I agree with. I was smiling because I was trying to think of a way to change the chant."

Yesterday, I wrote about a software plug-in, a b.s. dectector, to help ferret out fake news. I think it is safe to say no such software is needed to evaluate Chris Alexander's above disavowal.

When politicians abandon ideas they can no longer discuss or present serious political issues. They then resort to name calling, unfounded accusations and even hateful rhetoric that can lead to violence.

Chris Alexander Lorne is not interested in communicating with Canadians. He is only interested in manipulating them and judging by this crowds response of "lock her up" he is succeeding.

.. mainstream media fall all over these stories.. and these political freaks.. I keep on trying to get folks to promote or hang out with the polar opposites of the likes of Chris Alexander - who last I looked was no longer The Honorable.. but the Ajax, Ontario Harper ReformoTory bumboy who got the boot..

What I offer other Canadians.. and especially the exemplary indy bloggers, researchers, biologists, teachers, parents.. is some delicious bites of what being an exemplar is all about.. whether as a plumber, a logger, a healer or a poet..

So here's one of my faves.. just for you and your readership.. someone who just shines brilliant light into the unusual, gratifying, priceless mystery of what makes me proud, stunned.. wowed.. about being a Canadian.. an artist.. a human.. a parent.. and just another wild creature sharing the planet

Movement conservatism has found its home in the dregs of society. This sort of venom, intolerance and bigotry was seen frequently enough in Preston Manning's early Reform caucuses. People like Alexander, Leitch et al cater to this and only try to distance themselves from it afterward.